U.S. More nonstop Cincinnati-Cleveland flights comingDec 29, 2010 4:17 PM ET

By The Associated Press

 

CINCINNATI (AP) — The new year will bring more nonstop air service between two of Ohio's largest cities

 

Officials at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport said Wednesday that Continental Airlines will launch new service to Cleveland starting Jan. 4. The airport says Continental's entry will increase the number of daily direct roundtrips between Cincinnati and Cleveland Hopkins airport from two to five           

 

In a statement, a Continental executive says the new service has been scheduled with business travelers in mind.           

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-29/more-nonstop-cincinnati-cleveland-flights-coming.html

The CVG-CLE flights will be turbo prop planes.

More diversions from Newark today!  One flight from Mumbai and another from Tel Aviv.

 

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=501043864434&set=a.302249109434.142327.68769404434&ref=nf

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=501042404434&set=a.302249109434.142327.68769404434&ref=nf

 

More diversions from Newark today!  One flight from Mumbai and another from Tel Aviv.

 

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=501043864434&set=a.302249109434.142327.68769404434&ref=nf

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=501042404434&set=a.302249109434.142327.68769404434&ref=nf

 

 

I saw those as well.  Perfect example why regularly scheduled flights to/from newark need to be shifted to CLE.

 

And these are 777/767 so this again proves that any plane type can land in the city.  Now overhaul that damn immigration facility! 

Cleveland business community is zeroing in on how to keep Cleveland's nonstop flights from vanishing

 

Published: Sunday, February 27, 2011, 6:00 PM    Updated: Sunday, February 27, 2011, 9:48 PM

 

By Alison Grant, The Plain Dealer

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Almost a year after Continental and United airlines started merger talks, business leaders are zeroing in on how to keep Cleveland's nonstop flights from vanishing.

 

A group of business executives sat down for the first time this month to figure out how to make a case to the new United Airlines that it should maintain -- even expand -- service at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

 

Meanwhile, anxiety is rising among workers at Hopkins, who say that Continental is starting to trim away parts of what has been its third-largest hub.

...

 

 

See http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/02/cleveland_business_community_meets_about_keeping_united_continental_hub_at_hopkins.html

Let's tear down a garage and build........  surface lots!!!!!  I understand that the long term garage is old and needs to be demolished, but this plan makes my head explode.  I absolutely love the convenience of the current long-term parking set-up at Hopkins, especially in the winter!

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/03/cleveland_wants_to_demolish_lo.html

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland wants to raze the long-term garage at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and replace it with a canopied surface lot as part of a plan to revamp airport parking.

 

 

Couldn't agree more.  I use that long-term ramp all the time.  $10/day for covered secure parking?  I'll take it!  Who would want to park under a freakin tent?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland wants to raze the long-term garage at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and replace it with a canopied surface lot as part of a plan to revamp airport parking.

 

Doesn't make sense. A garage can be built for numerous levels, unlike surface parking. CLE will have LESS PARKING as a result. Good way to tell CO you want to downsize...

 

Fuel costs crimp the new United Airline's growth plans for 2011

 

Published: Tuesday, March 08, 2011, 4:02 PM    Updated: Tuesday, March 08, 2011, 4:18 PM

 

By Alison Grant, The Plain Dealer

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Surging fuel costs have United Continental Holdings Inc. paring plans to expand internationally, while deepening cuts in domestic flying.

 

Whether the changes will affect Cleveland Hopkins International Airport won't be known until later this month, when the company posts its summer and fall schedules.

 

...

 

See http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/03/fuel_costs_crimp_the_new_unite.html

AA returned to CLE today--after being away almost 7 years. AA will serve the CLE-DFW city pair with 3 MD-80 flights each way, replacing American Eagle's ERJ/CRJ flights.

New hotel-office complex one of possible improvements in Cleveland Hopkins' new master plan

  Updated: Friday, April 15, 2011, 8:12 AM

  By Mark Gillispie, The Plain Dealer

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A new hotel and an above-ground connection from Concourse C to Concourse D are two of the highlights of a master plan developed for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

 

The plan shows a hotel and office complex that is connected to the main terminal, the short-term parking garage and the Regional Transit Authority terminal.

 

The hotel would be elevated to provide space for a transportation center for buses and limousines beneath it, which would free additional space for cars and taxis on the roadway in front of the main concourse.

 

The plan estimates the cost of the hotel at $82 million, which would be borne by the developer.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/04/new_hotel-office_complex_one_o.html

Hmmmm....my comments are based on the above linked article:

 

--The plan supports Ricky Smith's idea of reducing parking capacity at CLE---which makes no sense (and provides the wrong signal to CO/UA, which should be the "future is growth" not "planning for fewer passengers").

--The plan wants to connect C & D--which are already connected underground--no reason to do it 'on' the ground---it will disrupt airfield operations; planes currently cross this area and plans suggest blocking this ability. if you want a better connection to "D"--build a people mover like other airports have--or at least a moving sidewalk on C.

--No mention of a new FIS (though maybe it was just omitted by the PD reporter), which is desperately needed if CLE ever wants to clear more than one plane at the same time (otherwise restricting airline flexibility about using their own planes as is most profitable to them).

--Even the title is off---an airport master plan is about building future airport (air passenger) capacity--but the author seems to think the most important thing is a new airport hotel.

--Widening of "C" is important, though a full tear down and rebuild would probably be better.

 

 

 

 

^If a connection from to C to D was built just past the C/D security area in the terminal, I don't think it would impact operations because "cross" anywhere there.  They back out from their gates in either C or D and head out the other way towards the runways. 

^i guess they could build that, but they would still need the tunnel as the point of a hub is for connections--walking from the banjo on C all the way back to security then back to a gate on D makes for a good 15-20 minute walk, which while carrying stuff, can be a long way. This undermines what people like about CLE over transferring at other cities---how swift it is (even without the moving sidewalks). But you're right---if you're coming form the street to "D" that would work if there's space to do it.

Yeah, I doubt they would eliminate the tunnel just because they build a faster way to get there from ticketing.  As you say, it's still critical for connections. 

I have been trying to find the Master Plan document on the web.  Has anyone found it?

^I haven't. Though officially its still draft and in the public comment period. That's not to say they couldn't release the draft version.

 

from the airport's website:

 

CLE hosts Master Plan public workshop

 

Cleveland, April 5, 2011 – Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is inviting the community and stakeholders to view and comment on the airport’s future as it moves through the master planning process.  The public workshop will present the airport’s preferred development plan for the next 20 years. It will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the terminal’s lower level adjacent to the RTA station.  Parking is free for the first hour.

 

“It’s important our stakeholders and the community at large continue to be a part of the planning process for the airport,” said Airport Director Ricky Smith. “We are excited about the future of this airport, and everyone’s input is vital.”

 

The airport’s staff and consultants will be available during the workshop to answers questions.  All comments received will be addressed and incorporated into the final document submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for final approval.

 

http://www.clevelandairport.com/Airport-Guide/News---Media-Relations/Press-Releases/Master-Plan-Workshop.aspx

Mayor lays out $1.6 billion master plan for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

By JAY MILLER

2:58 pm, April 19, 2011

 

Calling Cleveland Hopkins International Airport the doorway to the city, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson today laid out a $1.6 billion master plan for the remaking of the 86-year-old airfield.

 

The plan, which will play out over the next two decades, includes a modernization of the main terminal, a new hotel, moving walkways on Concourse C and a new mini-terminal that will give passengers direct access to the remote Concourse D, which is designed for smaller regional jets.

 

Read more at: http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20110419/FREE/110419843#

This is on Cleveland City Council's docket tonight.....

 

 

Ord. No. 247-11

By Council Members Keane, Cleveland, and Sweeney (by departmental request)

 

Determining the method of making the public improvement of constructing a new surface public parking area, demolishing the long-term parking garage and the Bomb Squad Building, converting employees lots into public parking lots, installing canopies over certain lots and areas, and installing landscaping, fencing and other amenities; authorizing the Director of Port Control to enter into one or more contracts for the making of the improvement; authorizing design services, if needed; to enter into various written standard purchase and requirement contracts necessary for the purchase of materials equipment, supplies, and services to implement the improvement, install a parking guidance system, pay on foot machines, and similar amenities, including installation and testing; and authorizing the Director to employ one or more professional consultants for parking management services, for a period of five years with one five-year option to renew, exercisable through additional legislative authority.

 

Estimated Cost:  $10,000,000

 

Remarks by Director of Port Control Department:  See Legislation.

 

PREVIOUSLY HELD BY COMMITTEE ON AVIATION AND TRANSPORTATION.

 

Could somebody explain how this is working?  I mean demolishing the long term parking garage which is huge (and in my experience always full)  for surface parking.  Won't this result is much less parking?

Could somebody explain how this is working?  I mean demolishing the long term parking garage which is huge (and in my experience always full)  for surface parking.  Won't this result is much less parking?

 

I don't understand either, however I have to disagree on the long term parking ramp always full. I'm in it at least once a week, and other than level 3 (where the bridge is) the other levels are never an issue to park.  Short term garage always seems to be pretty full at least when I walk by it.  I find it funny that someone will save $2/day to park at one of those off site lots like Park Place and take their notoriously unreliable shuttles instead of just using the long term garage and walking to the terminal.

Could everyone call/write the councilmen today and ask them to reject this? Reducing parking is crazy and tells CO to close the hub. It's crazy.

Chair of the Aviation & Transportation Committee is Marty Keane:

 

[email protected]

 

To all: Pugu's message, or your own personal wording of it, is a great message. Short, sweet and to the point. Be sure to end your message with your name, phone number and street address. It will add more validity to it.

Again, still confused by this and the apparent loss of parking spaces under this plan (maybe I am wrong...again is this the case) but could there be more to this that is just not "out there".  For example, is the garage at the point in its age span where it is going to need a massive infusion of funds for upkeep and they just decided to forgo the expenditure and go with surface lots.  Pure speculation on my part, but like I said, this just does not make sense to me.

^^ Thanks KJP!

Fitch Downgrades Cleveland, Ohio's Airport System Revs to 'A-'; Revises Outlook to Stable

 

"...Fitch lowers its rating to reflect the airport's elevated risk profile due to the combined effects of multi-year enplanement declines (down an aggregate 17% between 2007 and 2010) with an uncertain recovery outlook coupled with the airport's above average debt burden and escalating debt service amortization profile. The airport's cost profile and financial flexibility continues to be dependent on sustained strong operational service from United Continental and its related hubbing activity at the airport, stable origin and destination (O&D) traffic demand, and the ability to realize relatively optimistic increases in non-airline revenue sources even under traffic stress conditions.

 

The revised rating incorporates the airport's existing strong liquidity position, ambitious efforts to maximize non-airline revenue, and some near-term service protections through contractual minimum flight level commitments through 2015 as outlined in the Settlement Agreement between United Continental (United Continental Holdings, Inc. rated 'B-'/Positive by Fitch) and the State of Ohio Attorney General. While the settlement agreement provides some comfort in the near term with regards to a base level of airport departures, Fitch views there to be an elevated level of uncertainty regarding United Continental's long-term operational commitment at the airport. This concern is exacerbated by the recent volatility in fuel prices. Further reductions in connecting traffic will likely lead to additional stresses to airport cost per enplanement (CPE) and more narrow fiscal operations, possibly resulting in further rating pressures...."

 

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110425006311/en/Fitch-Downgrades-Cleveland-Ohios-Airport-System-Revs

 

"...elevated level of uncertainty regarding United Continental's long-term operational commitment at the airport."  That's a nice way to put it.

Did the Hopkins downsizing bill pass last night?

Business Traveler Appreciation Day today here at Hopkins.  Discounts on parking, at shops, services (shoes shines, massage tables)...pretty nice!  (I feel appreciated anyway).

 

Looks like the construction for the stores around the terminal C security checkpoint has been completed; they're still working on replacing the floors but I have to say, overall, the airport remodel has turned out well.  And more importantly, you can get to most places with a direct flight and getting through security is pretty easy...at least compared to other airports.

Question:  Why does the terminal seem so empty all the time now?  Is it that people are flying that much less?  People are flying out of Cleveland that much less?  The ability to print boarding passes from home?  A combination of all of the above, I assume.

I think the measure is the security lines. They are nonexistent at Hopkins. The last two times I flew (earlier this month and in December) I walked right up to the screeners without waiting in line at all. Very different from other airports I visit, such as at Newark where it takes 20 minutes on a good day to get through security, and there are multiple security entry points. Quite a sleepy little airport for a sleepy little town.

Actually, passenger numbers are up over last year for CLE (I think around 7%).  All airports (including EWR, ORD, ATL, etc.) can appear "dead" at certain times.  Everytime I fly home for a visit it seems failry busy to me.

It's always good to hear MD88PILOT's input.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Sees First-Quarter Passenger Traffic Rise

By JAY MILLER

2:31 pm, May 26, 2011

 

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport said passenger traffic was up 6.8% in the first quarter of 2011 compared with the like period a year earlier.

 

See http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20110526/FREE/110529877

Thanks guys.  It still seems slower than it was a decade or two ago.

 

sleepy little town.

 

Typical west-sider ;)

any idea what is going on in the grassy area between the ticketing area and the short term parking lot?  they have the area all dug up, with what looks like conduit for electrical.

 

redoing the floors to terazzo inside the terminals is coming along.  Terminal C is looking much better imo.

I've been doing quite a bit of traveling for work, so it's forced me to compare our airport to others. On my way back, I overheard a pilot who was riding coach talk about how Cleveland will lose its hub status in the next two years, and unfortunately, I've noticed that our airport seems sub-par to others I've been to recently. (O'Hare, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Dallas to name a few).

 

I know UO is awesome at updating newbies to the forum like myself on the latest goings on. So I was hoping someone could give me an update on what's going on to improve our airport and keep its hub status!

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Cheers,

Joe

I've been doing quite a bit of traveling for work, so it's forced me to compare our airport to others. On my way back, I overheard a pilot who was riding coach talk about how Cleveland will lose its hub status in the next two years, and unfortunately, I've noticed that our airport seems sub-par to others I've been to recently. (O'Hare, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Dallas to name a few).

 

I know UO is awesome at updating newbies to the forum like myself on the latest goings on. So I was hoping someone could give me an update on what's going on to improve our airport and keep its hub status!

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Cheers,

Joe

 

I am an airline pilot.  DO NOT; I REPEAT DO NOT, EVER LISTEN TO AIRLINE RUMORS FROM ANY CREW MEMBER FROM ANY AIRLINE FROM ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!!!!  lol

 

CLE losing hub status is the "converntional wisdom" right now.  There is nothing to support that point of view other than than off-hand remarks of UAL's Smisek a few months back. 

I've been doing quite a bit of traveling for work, so it's forced me to compare our airport to others. On my way back, I overheard a pilot who was riding coach talk about how Cleveland will lose its hub status in the next two years, and unfortunately, I've noticed that our airport seems sub-par to others I've been to recently. (O'Hare, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Dallas to name a few).

 

I know UO is awesome at updating newbies to the forum like myself on the latest goings on. So I was hoping someone could give me an update on what's going on to improve our airport and keep its hub status!

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Cheers,

Joe

 

I am an airline pilot.  DO NOT; I REPEAT DO NOT, EVER LISTEN TO AIRLINE RUMORS FROM ANY CREW MEMBER FROM ANY AIRLINE FROM ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!!!!  lol

 

CLE losing hub status is the "converntional wisdom" right now.  There is nothing to support that point of view other than than off-hand remarks of UAL's Smisek a few months back. 

 

I think Smisek should spend a couple of bad weather days in O'Hare like I have over the past couple months--he may reconsider and see the value of CLE's friendly open runways and lack of congestion!  Their Ops could certainly recover much quicker at CLE than ORD after a bad weather epsiode!

I guess some of my concern for our airport is the perception it gives first-timers to Cleveland. Most come in knowing our less than stellar rep. On FourSquare, many of the popular "tips" complain about how terrible our airport is.

 

I've never been to Charlotte, but I just had two layovers in their airport, had a nice lunch at a Charlotte BBQ place in the airport and left with a good impression of Charlotte. It's completely irrational, because I've never even set foot outside the airport! But that's how people think, it seems.

 

So if we have a kick-ass airport, maybe folks who have layovers will be more likely to come back sometime. Not to mention it'd give a better first impression to people here on business.

 

Just some thoughts!

How far along is the Airmall renovation? 

 

Every time I come home, I bring my Mom's favorite family members...my dogs, so I have not been in CLE for a while.

 

(By the way, I am coming in for the Fourth of July weekend :) )

I guess some of my concern for our airport is the perception it gives first-timers to Cleveland. Most come in knowing our less than stellar rep. On FourSquare, many of the popular "tips" complain about how terrible our airport is.

 

I've never been to Charlotte, but I just had two layovers in their airport, had a nice lunch at a Charlotte BBQ place in the airport and left with a good impression of Charlotte. It's completely irrational, because I've never even set foot outside the airport! But that's how people think, it seems.

 

So if we have a kick-ass airport, maybe folks who have layovers will be more likely to come back sometime. Not to mention it'd give a better first impression to people here on business.

 

Just some thoughts!

 

I hear what you're saying CLEJoe, but as MD88 often points out, 70% of CLE customers are 0/D passengers.  Only 30% are actually changing planes here who go away with bad impressions.

 

For those of us who are road warriors and base out of CLE, I have few complaints, especially now that the god-awful carpeting is coming out and tile is going in!

 

Going back, I wish they would have put the money for Concourse D into an expanded and rennovated Concourse A, but even that isn't as bad as it could be.

How far along is the Airmall renovation? 

 

Every time I come home, I bring my Mom's favorite family members...my dogs, so I have not been in CLE for a while.

 

(By the way, I am coming in for the Fourth of July weekend :) )

 

Much of it has been done. The food court is complete; the shopping section renovation is completed.  All of the new restaurants throughout the concourses are in place.  They are still in the process of replacing the floors in C.  D has been renovated.  I don't make it into A or B to really know anything about what's going on over there, but overall it's shaping up pretty nicely.

I guess some of my concern for our airport is the perception it gives first-timers to Cleveland. Most come in knowing our less than stellar rep. On FourSquare, many of the popular "tips" complain about how terrible our airport is.

 

I've never been to Charlotte, but I just had two layovers in their airport, had a nice lunch at a Charlotte BBQ place in the airport and left with a good impression of Charlotte. It's completely irrational, because I've never even set foot outside the airport! But that's how people think, it seems.

 

So if we have a kick-ass airport, maybe folks who have layovers will be more likely to come back sometime. Not to mention it'd give a better first impression to people here on business.

 

Just some thoughts!

 

I hear what you're saying CLEJoe, but as MD88 often points out, 70% of CLE customers are 0/D passengers.  Only 30% are actually changing planes here who go away with bad impressions.

 

For those of us who are road warriors and base out of CLE, I have few complaints, especially now that the god-awful carpeting is coming out and tile is going in!

Going back, I wish they would have put the money for Concourse D into an expanded and rennovated Concourse A, but even that isn't as bad as it could be.

 

I would agree.  I actually love CLE compared to O'Hare, which I find to be the second worst airport I've ever been to (first being Miami).  Once the floor renovation is done, I think it will be great.

 

Easy parking, quick security lines, lots of direct flights, and decent food choices.  I only wish concourse D wasn't so far ;)

 

And for some of the earlier comments, the airport can be pretty busy during certain times.  Monday mornings it's packed.

I don't actually care for O'Hare myself. I just feel like others would consider that a superior airport.

 

I think I might need to explore our airport a bit more. The past couple of times I've come from the long term parking garages and only walked by Samuel Adams Toasts Cleveland and the GLBC. I haven't seen any of these restorations.

 

I actually flew out Monday morning and am sad to report that it certainly wasn't busy :/ (Flight was at 10:25am, got there around 8:30). Don't get me wrong - love the quick lines, etc. But not if it means nobody is using our airport!

^ I flew out at 8, got there at 7.  It was busy.

^ I flew out at 8, got there at 7.  It was busy.

 

Well, then a lot can change in an hour, I suppose! It was probably one of the shorter waits I've had, especially considering I've done more flying out of Chicago.

 

Again - I'm down with the short wait. Just wouldn't mind seeing it bustling a little more. You'd think people went to the Charlotte airport just to grab lunch, as packed as it was in the afternoon! I suspect that also helped Charlotte grab the DNC from us, too, unfortunately (along with the hotels).

I really love what CLE has done in the past two years.  They literally made Cleveland.com an open forum on what to do to improve and they actually went through with many of the ideas.  Put local joints in there like GLBC, Paninis, Rock Hall etc. The main concourse look 100 times better than it did.  I give CLE a solid B+...even flirting with an A.  Im a little bias because every time im there im going on vacation usually, and im in the best of moods.

I really love what CLE has done in the past two years.  They literally made Cleveland.com an open forum on what to do to improve and they actually went through with many of the ideas.  Put local joints in there like GLBC, Paninis, Rock Hall etc. The main concourse look 100 times better than it did.  I give CLE a solid B+...even flirting with an A.  Im a little bias because every time im there im going on vacation usually, and im in the best of moods.

 

I'll explore more. I actually saw the Rock Hall when I got back, but it was late and it was ghost town at the airport. I decided I'd come to the airport early next time just to check it out. It made me start thinking of an airport like a neighborhood. I went from not caring about it to realllly caring about it.

^ I flew out at 8, got there at 7.  It was busy.

 

Well, then a lot can change in an hour, I suppose! It was probably one of the shorter waits I've had, especially considering I've done more flying out of Chicago.

 

Again - I'm down with the short wait. Just wouldn't mind seeing it bustling a little more. You'd think people went to the Charlotte airport just to grab lunch, as packed as it was in the afternoon! I suspect that also helped Charlotte grab the DNC from us, too, unfortunately (along with the hotels).

 

The earlier you fly out of CLE the less busy it will be.  This line are short & fast in ATL too.  Even the NYC airports are easy in the early hours.  Incidentally, CLT got the DNC because due to new funding rules for conventions it was probably the cheapest venue.  Plus the place is so dull there won't be any after hours temptations for the delegates lol. 

 

Another reason CLE seems "dead" is because 70% or more of the traffic is local.  You don't have 10-20 million people connecting thru the airport.  it's also another reason why the facilities look worn.  Don't forget, UAL/CAL signed the agreement with the OH AG AFTER the DOJ approved the merger.  If CLE wasn't going to figure in the future of UAL then there was no business case to enter into any agreement